In this compelling episode of Phil Phails, comedian Serena Thiel shares her raw, insightful journey through the world of stand-up comedy and creative expression. From the nerve-wracking moment of performing her first minute on the Kill Tony Netflix special, to navigating the realities of being perceived as a DEI hire, Serena opens up about the challenges and surprises of breaking into the comedy scene.She dives deep into the tough truth that betting on a career in entertainment is a gamble many can’t afford — often a path for those with no safety net or the privilege of risk. Serena reflects on the value of loving the craft itself, embracing imperfection, and the delicate alchemy of turning personal trauma and life’s hardships into comedy gold.We also explore the vulnerability behind the creative process, the idea of a “writing room” where comedians riff and refine their craft, and how modern life’s digital footprint shapes our personal narratives — sometimes painfully so.If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to pursue a dream in comedy or art, this episode offers honest perspective, humor, and encouragement to find your own path and keep going, no matter what.#PhilPhails #SerenaThiel #ComedyJourney #StandUpComedy #CreativeProcess #EntertainmentIndustry #BetOnYourself #Vulnerability #ComedyWriting #KillTony #DEI #ArtistLife #TurningPainIntoGold #ComedyPodcast #OpportunityAbout SerenaSerena Thiel is an Austin stand-up comic. She recently moved from Bozeman, Montana, where she cofounder Bone Dry Comedy with Alex Kaufman. She appears on the Kill Tony Netflix Special, and is scheduled for a follow-up appearance on the next one filming in New York City this summer. She has seen Point Break (1991) more times than any other living person and considers herself a friend to raccoons everywhere.👉 Find Serena:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shut.up.serenaAbout Phillip Jones👨‍👧‍👧 Single dad | 🧠 Neurodivergent & Proud | 🛤️ Path SeekerAfter a lifetime of personal growth—through self-help, therapy, and endless learning—I'm embracing my unique journey. No more chasing 'normal.' Here to celebrate the quirks, the trials, and the joys of being authentically me. 🌟Leaving the software world behind, I'm forging a new trail with "Phil Phails," a show that revels in the messiness of life and learning. Catch my latest adventures and dad moments on Austin Public and YouTube. Let’s redefine success together. #PhilPhails 🎬The Fool's journey is a tapestry of learning, woven with threads of naivety and the vibrant colors of experience. Each step is a dance between innocence and wisdom, a transformation that beckons the curious souls to witness the unfolding of a human in bloom. Embrace this odyssey with open arms, for the path of the unknowing is a canvas for growth, and every traveler a masterpiece in progress.👉 Follow me on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phil_phails/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philphails/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philphails Twitter: https://twitter.com/philphails🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell to get notified about new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilPhails

What if improving your health didn’t require an overhaul—just a few smart, sustainable shifts?I'm back with fitness coach and endurance expert Ashtyn Johnson to talk about real, practical ways to improve your health and hit your goals—without burning out, overtraining, or lying to yourself about that donut you ate. We break down:✔️ 5 things you can do TODAY to improve your health✔️ The power of consistent sleep, hydration, food logging, movement, and self-care✔️ Why awareness over perfection when it comes to nutrition✔️ What a SMART goal actually looks like—and how to build your week around it✔️ How doing too much might actually be slowing your progress✔️ Why your brain (and your panic response) might be your biggest obstacle💥 Get a DEXA Scan with BodySpec – Track Your Health Like Never Before 💥I’m proud to be a BodySpec Ambassador! BodySpec offers affordable, clinical-grade DEXA scans that give you deep insight into your body composition, fat distribution, muscle balance, and bone density—empowering you to take your health and fitness to the next level.🧠💪 Whether you're optimizing performance, tracking progress, or just getting a clearer picture of your health, a DEXA scan is one of the best tools out there.🔗 Book your scan here: https://bodyspec.sjv.io/3JLjnv💸 Use my code: PHILPHAILS for a discount!About Ashtyn JohnsonAshtyn Johnson has spent 16 years transforming lives as a coach, helping hundreds achieve their fitness, endurance, and personal growth goals. Based in Austin, Texas, she’s directed large-scale programs—including a marathon initiative with 500 runners and 52 coaches—and led boot camps for up to 60 participants. While she’s excelled in broader efforts, Ashtyn thrives in one-on-one and small group settings where she can directly impact growth.A lifelong learner, Ashtyn holds certifications from the American Mountain Guide Association, USA Track & Field, CrossFit Endurance, and StrongFirst Elite. Her expertise spans mountain guiding, endurance coaching, personal training, and yoga assisting. With 22+ years in cosmetology, she brings a holistic, integrated approach to coaching.Her accomplishments include national-level triathlon competition, placing 3rd in state high school powerlifting, and completing marathons, trail races, and 100-mile cycling events. She’s traversed the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim, summited 14,000-foot peaks, completed a 12-hour overnight run for her 37th birthday, and biked from Dallas to San Marcos to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club.👉 Find Ashtyn:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/propulsionfitFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashtyn.johnson.393Website: https://www.propulsionfit.com/About Phillip Jones👨‍👧‍👧 Single dad | 🧠 Neurodivergent & Proud | 🛤️ Path SeekerAfter a lifetime of personal growth—through self-help, therapy, and endless learning—I'm embracing my unique journey. No more chasing 'normal.' Here to celebrate the quirks, the trials, and the joys of being authentically me. 🌟Leaving the software world behind, I'm forging a new trail with "Phil Phails," a show that revels in the messiness of life and learning. Catch my latest adventures and dad moments on Austin Public and YouTube. Let’s redefine success together. 🎬The Fool's journey is a tapestry of learning, woven with threads of naivety and the vibrant colors of experience. Each step is a dance between innocence and wisdom, a transformation that beckons the curious souls to witness the unfolding of a human in bloom. Embrace this odyssey with open arms, for the path of the unknowing is a canvas for growth, and every traveler a masterpiece in progress.👉 Follow me on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phil_phails/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philphails/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philphails Twitter: https://twitter.com/philphails🔔 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilPhails

(46) Phil Phails @ philosophy with Grant PottsPhilosophy Book Club series #9Book: Philosophy's Big Questions: Comparing Buddhist and Western ApproachesQuestion: WHAT DO WE OWE FUTURE GENERATIONS? Compassion and Future Generations: A Buddhist Contribution to an Ethics of Global InterdependenceIn this thought-provoking episode of Phil Phails @ Philosophy Book Club, Phil and Grant dive deep into some of life’s most challenging and timeless questions. From the spiritual idea of tikkun—the work of repairing the broken world—to confronting injustice and compassion in a fractured society, they explore how ancient wisdom and modern struggles intersect. They unpack the complex ethics of accountability, the nature of suffering, and the tension between personal responsibility and systemic failure.Along the way, they reflect on the difficult role of compassion—even for those who may seem undeserving—and the uneasy emotions around societal collapse, violent unrest, and what we owe future generations in a world that often seems to be breaking down.Finally, Phil and Grant look forward, considering how to continue their philosophical journey beyond dense academic texts to include accessible ideas from popular culture and leadership, setting the stage for more engaging, real-world discussions.This episode is a rich blend of philosophy, personal reflection, social critique, and plans for future explorations into meaning and ethics.#PhilPhails #PhilosophyBookClub #TikkunOlam #Compassion #SocialJustice #Ethics #FutureGenerations #PhilosophyAndLife #SystemicInjustice #Accountability #ViolentRevolAbout Grant PottsGrant Potts is a distinguished faculty member at Austin Community College, specializing in Philosophy, Religion, and Humanities. Trained primarily as a scholar of religion, Grant is also a dedicated philosopher and curriculum developer, committed to promoting liberal education through the Great Question Foundation to benefit community college students of all disciplines. Outside the academic sphere, he is a passionate gardener, an enthusiastic hiker and cyclist, and an ardent tabletop roleplaying game enthusiast, delighting in adventures with friends and family in classics like Dungeons and Dragons as well as newer games like Coriolis and Forbidden Lands.About Phillip Jones👨‍👧‍👧 Single dad | 🧠 Neurodivergent & Proud | 🛤️ Path SeekerAfter a lifetime of personal growth—through self-help, therapy, and endless learning—I'm embracing my unique journey. No more chasing 'normal.' Here to celebrate the quirks, the trials, and the joys of being authentically me. 🌟Leaving the software world behind, I'm forging a new trail with "Phil Phails," a show that revels in the messiness of life and learning. Catch my latest adventures and dad moments on Austin Public and YouTube. Let’s redefine success together. #PhilPhails 🎬The Fool's journey is a tapestry of learning, woven with threads of naivety and the vibrant colors of experience. Each step is a dance between innocence and wisdom, a transformation that beckons the curious souls to witness the unfolding of a human in bloom. Embrace this odyssey with open arms, for the path of the unknowing is a canvas for growth, and every traveler a masterpiece in progress.👉 Follow me on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phil_phails/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philphails/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philphails Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PhilPhails4uReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/philphails/Twitter: https://twitter.com/philphails🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell to get notified about new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilPhails